We asked you to share your reviews of JK Rowling’s new film centred around Newt Scamander and his magical creatures
The 1920s wizarding world spin-off to the Harry Potter series, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, was released on Friday. Set as the first instalment in a series of five films, fans of ‘the boy who lived’ have enjoyed the breath of fresh life that has been injected into the Potter franchise.
We asked you to tell us what you think of the film. Here’s what some of you said.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The film was one of the most moving films that I have watched. The saddest scene is when Jacob Kowalski walks out into the obliviating rain, and all memory of the magical world is erased. Well … not all of it. In the end, Kowalski starts a bakery (with some help from Newt Scamander), and his pastries are in the shape of all of the magical creatures he met.
The funniest scene was, above all, the scene in which the niffler gets loose in a muggle bank, causing Scamander and Kowalski to get into trouble with the No-Maj security. The niffler seems to be unable to restrain itself, whenever something shiny flashes nearby.
Overall, I would give the film a seven out of five (if you are a Harry Potter fan you will understand why seven), for everything. I loved how well the special effects are used, and the super filming. It was one of the best films that I have ever seen, and I wish that I could be obliviated, just to feel the thrill of re-watching the film.
Josephine Aubrey Aiken, Connecticut
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Fantastic effects – it really triggered the children to ask how that was achieved. Also the creatures were amazing and loveable. We loved the bowtruckle. The film was let down though by its lack of story. We really didn’t know why he was in New York. It seems just an excuse to show special effects – I can’t believe it will be one of five films. It certainly didn’t have the pure magic of Harry Potter – but then I doubt any film ever will.
Boyle family, Wirral
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Having grown-up, reading and re-reading JK Rowling it was a pleasant surprise to see another Harry Potter universe film on the cards. The Cursed Child felt like fan fiction. As I moved on to darker and more abstract shades of fiction, this was a welcome treat – to take a train back to the world of innocence. The visuals are wonderful, and the acting a joy to watch. Age brings wisdom, and a sense of appreciation, I see.
Vishnu, India
Rating: 4 out of 5
I went to see this film with my 16-year-old son. As a disclaimer, I am not a JK Rowling or a Harry Potter fan so I did not have any background knowledge, yet I really enjoyed this movie because I think it can be interpreted in many different ways. I think, ultimately It is a story that teaches you to appreciate difference, which is a message that we badly need at the moment.
But there are more intimate angles to be found. The film can be enjoyed as a straightforward story and as a metaphor: my son and I both found the way teenage angst is portrayed in the film as very perceptive. Obscurials are angry kids! For us the family therapy angle struck a chord but there will be other approaches that evoke equally strong emotions. When a work speaks to people on different levels it is a really special endeavour and Fantastic Beasts does this so admirably.
Mother and son, Kent
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
I’ve just seen the film with four friends aged from 16-70. JK Rowling is a genius for our time. Taking in hand all the techno and appealing potential of the film industry she creates a movie speaking to deep contemporary concerns with wonderful imagination and humour.
I recognised the fear of ruthless forces – not mythical but active and visible now, the protection of our planet (and its creatures) in the face of ignorance or power-lust, even sex abuse and how the fury pent up in the victim could be unleashed (the relationship between Credence (well-named) and the Colin Farrell character was not simple). All the relationships were plausible.
She isn’t afraid of sweeteners (e.g. love-interest/ happy endings) which may be too much for some. The only player out of place was the leader of the wizards in New York who looked like a throwback to 1970s sci-fi: the actress didn’t get the nature of the drama. And for me the blue furry monkey-thing was rather too Disney for me. Otherwise brilliantly cast and set. Passionate and profound while very entertaining. Fantastic.
Tilly Young, Devon
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
Having just seen the film I have to say I am disappointed. It’s by no means a bad film (I will most likely see the sequel) however, unlike the Potter films it had no magical essence, it was fairly bland. If you ask me, they should have focused on the Gellert Grindelwald and Obscurials story as that was far more interesting than what seemed more like a film about magical zoo animals. Oh and one more thing, I really do think JK should stick to books and not screenplays as this was WAY too episodic for my liking. I have my fingers crossed that the sequel will be more focused on Grindelwald and less about the beasts as they really do drag it down.
Tom Dix, Cardiff
Rating: 5 out of 5
I was never a Harry Potter fan, probably because I was in my 40s when they started, although my son is one. This movie, however, was not really a Potter movie, despite being set in the same universe. It featured a mostly adult cast and more adult themes. I thought it was excellent. The cast were very good, with Fogler totally stealing the movie. The soundtrack was superb. I’m looking forward to the sequel!
Quicknstraight, Bangkok
Rating: 5 out of 5
We managed to secure tickets to the regional premiere and pretty much had mixed expectations. Both massive fans of the page turning literature JK Rowling created with Harry Potter and the film series (although we differ on our choice of favourite movie of the series) we were expecting to be entertained. And we were and then some!
From the opening introduction to the denouement it was a beautiful magical tale with some great humour for adults and the night time setting for the majority of the film made New York look wondrous. Colin Farrell was a mysterious and mixed character and when he finally got his wand out (pardon the pun) – during battle it was exciting to say the least as he felt like a different villain in the magical world. The mentions of Dumbledore and Hogwarts made me eager for more movies in the series and I’m excited to see how it will go.
Dan Westgarth, Darlington
Rating: 5 out of 5
After a two day power cut we surrendered and decided to go to the pictures – me, my wife, daughter home from uni, son and two friends on a sleepover (in the cold and dark).
We’re big Harry Potter fans anyway but did not know what to expect. It was great to hear the familiar opening music but soon my impression was it was a remake but this soon disappeared. Wow, what a great film. It ticked all the boxes and was a great way to pass a few hours. Thoroughly recommended. Now back home and still no electricity.
Adam Grew, The Dark Ages AKA Uttoxeter
Rating: 5 out of 5
Many of the characters were endearing and completely believable. The film was so exciting that I forgot to eat and drink all the way through it! There was plenty of humour and touching scenes, too. All the acting was very good. I particularly enjoyed watching how Newt interacted with the creatures.
Anja Huebel, Ludwigsburg
